Lylas Durnford

Lylas L. Durnford, age 94, passed away on January 22, 2015 at St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 2, 1920 in Readstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Emil and Lura (Gore) Peterson. She married W. Dale Durnford on June 1, 1946 in Richland Center. After Dale's passing, she married George "Dutch" Durnford on January 1, 2001.

Lylas always had fond memories of her childhood, growing up in the Kickapoo Valley. She had an amazing adventurous spirit and had no fears. She traveled by freighter to many places and has been to 80 countries. Lylas was an accomplished painter. With a passion for knowledge, she learned how to swim at the age of 40, play piano, ski, and become computer literate. She enjoyed her garden, raising her family, dancing, sewing, being in the sun, the water, and entertaining friends and family. She always found the positives in life. Most importantly was her unconditional love for her family and friends. She never had a harsh word for anyone.

She is survived by her children; son Richard (Catherine) Durnford and daughter Deanna (Wayne Charlie) Durnford, husband George "Dutch" Durnford, three grandchildren; Amy (and children Tyler and Olivia), Michelle (Ryan and children Lauren, Ava, and Elise), and Michael. She is also survived by three step children; Roger (Michelle), Jacque (Karen), and Jayne and their families; many nieces and nephews, and special friend of the family Thomm Buehl. Lylas loved everyone in this large combined family and they added so much to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband W. Dale Durnford; son Douglas G. Durnford, and her sisters; Olga and Gyneth; brothers; Melvin and Gordon and her son in-law Rex Fritz.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday January 30, 2015 at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge Chapel, 5565 Tancho Drive Madison. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Following the service a meal will be held at Oakwood. Lylas will be laid to rest next to her first husband Dale and son Doug, at Richland Center Cemetery.